Ten fun facts about Estonia

1. The least religious country in the world

Estonia is renowned for its lack of religious affiliation, making it the least religious country in the world. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2012, only 14% of the population of Estonia identified as religious, with the majority of the population identifying as either non-religious or unaffiliated. This is in stark contrast to the global average, which stands at around 84%. This lack of religious affiliation is largely attributed to the country's history of Soviet occupation, which saw the suppression of religious expression and the promotion of atheism.

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2. Estonia's Online Political Voting Revolution

In 2005, Estonia made history by becoming the first country in the world to use online political voting. This revolutionary system allowed citizens to cast their votes from the comfort of their own homes, using a secure online platform. This groundbreaking system has since been adopted by other countries, and has been credited with increasing voter turnout and engagement in the democratic process.

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3. Estonia's Independence: A History in Pictures

In 1991, Estonia achieved a major milestone in its history when it gained its independence from the Soviet Union. This momentous event marked the end of a long period of occupation and the beginning of a new era of self-determination for the Estonian people. The country has since gone on to become a member of the European Union and NATO, and has established itself as a vibrant and prosperous nation.

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4. Estonia's Adoption of the Euro

Estonia has officially adopted the Euro as its currency, having previously used the Kroon. The transition to the Euro was completed in 2011, when Estonia became the 17th member of the Euro-zone. The Euro is now the official currency of Estonia, and is used for all transactions, including banking, shopping, and paying taxes.

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5. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: Three Unique Baltic Countries

Despite being grouped together as the Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have no formal political alliance. This is due to the fact that Estonia has a distinct history and culture that sets it apart from its Baltic neighbors. For example, Estonia is the only Baltic country to have been part of the Soviet Union, and its language is closely related to Finnish, rather than the Latvian and Lithuanian languages. As a result, Estonia has a unique identity that is distinct from its Baltic neighbors.

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6. A Small Country with a Big History

Estonia, officially known as The Republic of Estonia, is a small country located in Northern Europe. It is bordered by the Baltic Sea, Latvia, and Russia, and has a population of just over 1.3 million people. Estonia is a parliamentary republic and its capital city is Tallinn. The official language is Estonian, and the currency is the Euro. Estonia is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the Schengen Area.

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7. A Land of Tradition and Adventure

The small Baltic nation of Estonia has a rich history that dates back to the first century AD, when the region was inhabited by the Ests, a people who gave the country its name. The Ests were a nomadic people who lived in the area for centuries, and their influence can still be seen in the culture and language of modern-day Estonia. The Ests were known for their strong sense of community and their love of nature, and these values are still reflected in the country today.

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8. Tallinn: The Capital of Estonia

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is the largest city in the country. It is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, with a population of over 400,000 people. It is a major port city, located on the Gulf of Finland, and is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including the medieval Old Town, the Kadriorg Palace, and the Kumu Art Museum. Tallinn is also a major hub for business and finance, and is home to a number of international companies. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities, Tallinn is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Estonia.

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9. A Country of Bilinguals

Estonia is a country located in Northern Europe, and its official language is Estonian. However, Russian is also widely spoken in the country, with many people using it as their primary language. This is due to the fact that Estonia was part of the Soviet Union for much of the 20th century, and Russian was the language of the Soviet Union. As a result, many people in Estonia are bilingual, speaking both Estonian and Russian.

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10. Estonia's Forests: A Land of Wildlife

Estonia is a country of lush forests, with nearly half of its land area blanketed in trees. With 48% of its total land area covered by forests, Estonia is one of the most heavily forested countries in Europe. These forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, lynx, and wolves. The forests also provide a habitat for many species of birds, including the white-tailed eagle, the black stork, and the great grey owl.

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